What is the new COVID “Test to Treat” initiative in the United States?
Testing and Contact Tracing Treatments
Chana Davis, PhD
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEM
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic join the United Nations in celebrating International Women’s Day. Here are some ways you can, too: 1.) Donate to a cause that supports women, including organizations that help women run for office (see link below). 2.) Write a letter or make a phone call to a woman that inspires Read more…
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? A: A mixed bag. While some countries saw improvements, life expectancy losses in the U.S. in 2021 were JUST AS BAD as 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the largest loss of life expectancy seen in many countries since World War Read more…
How can I help my child understand the change to mask guidance?
Families/Kids Masks Mental Health Reopening
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
Do J&J vaccine recipients need a 2nd or even 3rd shot?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got a J&J shot initially, you should *definitely* get a booster. And if it was us (and it was, for some of us), we would pick an mRNA booster. It’s not likely to produce worse protection, and it eliminates the very small risk of a serious adverse event linked to the J&J vaccine. Read more…
What is going on with the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year old kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
You may have seen a lot of news about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5–11-year-old kids in the last few days. One new report out of New York suggested that the COVID-19 vaccine for these kids does not provide much protection against getting infected. Another study from the CDC shows that the vaccines continue to Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
March 1st is Baby Sleep Day!
Families/Kids General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic are thrilled to participate in Baby Sleep Day (Visit Pediatric Sleep Council FB page for live Q&A all day or Baby Sleep Day for the schedule of experts). Healthy sleep during a prolonged pandemic can be tough – especially for parents who spend a lot of energy balancing their Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
A: President Biden announced a “Test to Treat” initiative in his State of the Union address last week. The program aims to reduce hospitalizations from COVID-19 by providing fast, free, broad access to antivirals. To be eligible, you must have confirmed mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and be at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. TL;DR At Read more…
March 8th is International Women’s Day!
Social and Racial Justice Women in STEMLauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic join the United Nations in celebrating International Women’s Day. Here are some ways you can, too: 1.) Donate to a cause that supports women, including organizations that help women run for office (see link below). 2.) Write a letter or make a phone call to a woman that inspires Read more…
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Data and Metrics
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? A: A mixed bag. While some countries saw improvements, life expectancy losses in the U.S. in 2021 were JUST AS BAD as 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the largest loss of life expectancy seen in many countries since World War Read more…
How can I help my child understand the change to mask guidance?
Families/Kids Masks Mental Health Reopening
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
Do J&J vaccine recipients need a 2nd or even 3rd shot?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got a J&J shot initially, you should *definitely* get a booster. And if it was us (and it was, for some of us), we would pick an mRNA booster. It’s not likely to produce worse protection, and it eliminates the very small risk of a serious adverse event linked to the J&J vaccine. Read more…
What is going on with the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year old kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
You may have seen a lot of news about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5–11-year-old kids in the last few days. One new report out of New York suggested that the COVID-19 vaccine for these kids does not provide much protection against getting infected. Another study from the CDC shows that the vaccines continue to Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
March 1st is Baby Sleep Day!
Families/Kids General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic are thrilled to participate in Baby Sleep Day (Visit Pediatric Sleep Council FB page for live Q&A all day or Baby Sleep Day for the schedule of experts). Healthy sleep during a prolonged pandemic can be tough – especially for parents who spend a lot of energy balancing their Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic join the United Nations in celebrating International Women’s Day. Here are some ways you can, too: 1.) Donate to a cause that supports women, including organizations that help women run for office (see link below). 2.) Write a letter or make a phone call to a woman that inspires Read more…
In many countries, life expectancy dropped substantially in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Data and MetricsJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? A: A mixed bag. While some countries saw improvements, life expectancy losses in the U.S. in 2021 were JUST AS BAD as 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the largest loss of life expectancy seen in many countries since World War Read more…
How can I help my child understand the change to mask guidance?
Families/Kids Masks Mental Health Reopening
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
Do J&J vaccine recipients need a 2nd or even 3rd shot?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got a J&J shot initially, you should *definitely* get a booster. And if it was us (and it was, for some of us), we would pick an mRNA booster. It’s not likely to produce worse protection, and it eliminates the very small risk of a serious adverse event linked to the J&J vaccine. Read more…
What is going on with the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year old kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
You may have seen a lot of news about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5–11-year-old kids in the last few days. One new report out of New York suggested that the COVID-19 vaccine for these kids does not provide much protection against getting infected. Another study from the CDC shows that the vaccines continue to Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
March 1st is Baby Sleep Day!
Families/Kids General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic are thrilled to participate in Baby Sleep Day (Visit Pediatric Sleep Council FB page for live Q&A all day or Baby Sleep Day for the schedule of experts). Healthy sleep during a prolonged pandemic can be tough – especially for parents who spend a lot of energy balancing their Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
Did life expectancy bounce back in 2021, or did things get even worse? A: A mixed bag. While some countries saw improvements, life expectancy losses in the U.S. in 2021 were JUST AS BAD as 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the largest loss of life expectancy seen in many countries since World War Read more…
How can I help my child understand the change to mask guidance?
Families/Kids Masks Mental Health ReopeningMalia Jones, PhD MPH
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
Do J&J vaccine recipients need a 2nd or even 3rd shot?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got a J&J shot initially, you should *definitely* get a booster. And if it was us (and it was, for some of us), we would pick an mRNA booster. It’s not likely to produce worse protection, and it eliminates the very small risk of a serious adverse event linked to the J&J vaccine. Read more…
What is going on with the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year old kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
You may have seen a lot of news about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5–11-year-old kids in the last few days. One new report out of New York suggested that the COVID-19 vaccine for these kids does not provide much protection against getting infected. Another study from the CDC shows that the vaccines continue to Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
March 1st is Baby Sleep Day!
Families/Kids General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic are thrilled to participate in Baby Sleep Day (Visit Pediatric Sleep Council FB page for live Q&A all day or Baby Sleep Day for the schedule of experts). Healthy sleep during a prolonged pandemic can be tough – especially for parents who spend a lot of energy balancing their Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
The new CDC guidance recommends that masks need not be worn in areas with low community risk, including at school. If your child is anxious about this change, it’s no surprise. Changes of any type can produce anxiety. And after two years of wearing a mask, your child may not even remember what it was Read more…
Do J&J vaccine recipients need a 2nd or even 3rd shot?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
If you got a J&J shot initially, you should *definitely* get a booster. And if it was us (and it was, for some of us), we would pick an mRNA booster. It’s not likely to produce worse protection, and it eliminates the very small risk of a serious adverse event linked to the J&J vaccine. Read more…
What is going on with the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year old kids?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
You may have seen a lot of news about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5–11-year-old kids in the last few days. One new report out of New York suggested that the COVID-19 vaccine for these kids does not provide much protection against getting infected. Another study from the CDC shows that the vaccines continue to Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
March 1st is Baby Sleep Day!
Families/Kids General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic are thrilled to participate in Baby Sleep Day (Visit Pediatric Sleep Council FB page for live Q&A all day or Baby Sleep Day for the schedule of experts). Healthy sleep during a prolonged pandemic can be tough – especially for parents who spend a lot of energy balancing their Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
If you got a J&J shot initially, you should *definitely* get a booster. And if it was us (and it was, for some of us), we would pick an mRNA booster. It’s not likely to produce worse protection, and it eliminates the very small risk of a serious adverse event linked to the J&J vaccine. Read more…
What is going on with the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year old kids?
Families/Kids VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
You may have seen a lot of news about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5–11-year-old kids in the last few days. One new report out of New York suggested that the COVID-19 vaccine for these kids does not provide much protection against getting infected. Another study from the CDC shows that the vaccines continue to Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
March 1st is Baby Sleep Day!
Families/Kids General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic are thrilled to participate in Baby Sleep Day (Visit Pediatric Sleep Council FB page for live Q&A all day or Baby Sleep Day for the schedule of experts). Healthy sleep during a prolonged pandemic can be tough – especially for parents who spend a lot of energy balancing their Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
You may have seen a lot of news about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5–11-year-old kids in the last few days. One new report out of New York suggested that the COVID-19 vaccine for these kids does not provide much protection against getting infected. Another study from the CDC shows that the vaccines continue to Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – Sealioning or “I’m just asking questions. . .”
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
March 1st is Baby Sleep Day!
Families/Kids General Health
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic are thrilled to participate in Baby Sleep Day (Visit Pediatric Sleep Council FB page for live Q&A all day or Baby Sleep Day for the schedule of experts). Healthy sleep during a prolonged pandemic can be tough – especially for parents who spend a lot of energy balancing their Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the third post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies and rhetorical strategies that have led Read more…
March 1st is Baby Sleep Day!
Families/Kids General HealthLauren Hale, PhD MA
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic are thrilled to participate in Baby Sleep Day (Visit Pediatric Sleep Council FB page for live Q&A all day or Baby Sleep Day for the schedule of experts). Healthy sleep during a prolonged pandemic can be tough – especially for parents who spend a lot of energy balancing their Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
The Nerdy Girls at Dear Pandemic are thrilled to participate in Baby Sleep Day (Visit Pediatric Sleep Council FB page for live Q&A all day or Baby Sleep Day for the schedule of experts). Healthy sleep during a prolonged pandemic can be tough – especially for parents who spend a lot of energy balancing their Read more…
There is so much going on….How can I cope with stressful events in the news?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
➡️ We know that COVID-19 is not the only challenge we are facing together. And while we don’t have a way to make sense of the conflict happening in the world, we want you to know that we are here for our nerdy nation and continue to be committed to bringing you accurate, brief, and Read more…
Does breastfeeding protect my baby from COVID-19?
Families/Kids VaccinesChana Davis, PhD
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact Tracing
Chana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
A: Breastfeeding can likely help protect babies from COVID-19 but we don’t know yet how well. Antibodies from vaccination or infection are transferred through breast milk, but they are short-lived and do not enter the bloodstream. By contrast, antibodies transferred during pregnancy enter the fetal bloodstream, where they often persist for six months or more, Read more…
Did I already have COVID-19? Antibody testing 101.
Testing and Contact TracingChana Davis, PhD
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVID
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
A: Antibody tests, or serology tests, test your blood for evidence of a past encounter with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Importantly, these tests don’t tell you when you were infected, with which variant, or how well protected you are. Antibody tests are not cheap and are usually done in a lab. For most of us, the Read more…
What is brain fog in Long COVID and what can I do about it?
Clinical Symptoms Long COVIDSarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
TL;DR: Brain fog is a catch all term that could mean confusion, difficulty thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, mental fatigue, or straight up feeling mentally “fuzzy.” Brain fog after COVID-19 infection is common and can be mild to debilitating. We don’t yet know how to treat this, but there are some things you can do Read more…
Series on Logical Fallacies – The False Dichotomy
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
At Dear Pandemic, we want to dish out science facts AND equip our readers with tools to make sense of data and science themselves. This is the second post in an ongoing series by Dr. Kristen Panthagani of You Can Know Things, in which she dissects common logical fallacies that have led people astray during Read more…
